Justice News

Baltimore Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison for Armed Robbery

Victims Robbed at Gun Point and Tied Up During the Robbery

Baltimore, Maryland – U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Richard Bruzdzinski, age 43, of Baltimore, today to 10 years in prison followed by five years of supervised release for committing an armed robbery, and for using and brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.

The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Stephen E. Vogt of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chief James W. Johnson of the Baltimore County Police Department; and Baltimore County State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger.

According to his plea agreement, on October 2, 2013, Bruzdzinski and co-conspirator Derek Roberts robbed a store in Timonium, Maryland. The owner of the establishment recognized Bruzdzinski, who had been a customer of the store a few weeks earlier. The owner opened the electronic door for Bruzdzinski and he and Roberts entered the store. Immediately, Roberts drew a handgun, pointed it at the owner, and stated that a robbery was occurring. Bruzdzinski drew a stun gun from his pocket. The two men directed the owner and an employee to go to the office in the back of the store, then ordered the victims to the ground. Bruzdinski and Roberts tied the hands of the victims with plastic zip ties. Bruzdzinski and Roberts stole money, gold jewelry, coins, the owner’s Glock pistol, and the victims’ cell phones.

Derek Roberts, age 45, of Baltimore, previously pleaded guilty to his role in this robbery, as well as three other robberies. Roberts and the government have agreed that if the Court accepts the plea, Roberts will be sentenced to 228 months in prison. Judge Quarles has scheduled sentencing for May 14, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. Roberts remains detained.

United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI, Baltimore County Police Department and Baltimore County State’s Attorney’s Office for their work in the investigation. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Scott A. Lemmon and Bonnie S. Greenberg, who prosecuted the case.